Micro-Brewery Hot Spots of Northwest Arkansas – UPDATED

Microbreweries and brewpubs offer exciting opportunities to taste new brews other than the same old corporate bland beer Americans have made do with in the past. Northwest Arkansas is fortunate to have many of these unique microbreweries. Check the list below to find a cool top microbrewery near you:

Bike Rack Brewing Co. has two locations. The original is in the heart of the newly rezoned Arts District right on the bike trail, and the other is a thriving part of the popular 8th Street Market, a community focused food and drink hub where both tenants and members of the community work together to serve the larger community. Using local inspiration for it’s flavorful craft beers, the brewpub also has live music in its tap room, and plenty of room to hang with friends. The original location 410 SW A Street is still open and going strong.

FAYETTEVILLE

The 250 seat brew/restaurant enjoys rave reviews about both the beer and the food. Whether you’re there to share a unique beer, an appetizer, a salad or a full meal, Apple Blossom Brewing Company serves up some of the very best in all categories. Their beer selection runs from favorite great pale ales and ESB’s to beers trending from the west and east coasts and Colorado. Food specials are created from the freshest ingredients to be found locally. Try the French Dip sandwich, which is said to be one of the very best in town.

Owned and operated by loyal Fayetteville residents, Columbus House Brewery, located next to the trail on North Street, makes it easy for folks engaged in an active life style to stop by to enjoy one of their delicious cold ones. It’s one of the popular go-to places for locals wanting to enjoy excellent local brews, a terrific atmosphere and friendly bartenders. Experienced beer drinkers will enjoy the IPA and the Stout, and for the smoothest brew around, try the Brown. The place is Fido friendly too.

If you are looking for high-quality, locally-made beer, Fossil Cove Brewing Co. won’t disappoint you. Make it a point to sample some of their brews even if you have to go out of your way to try one. It’s a craft beer so flavorful that you’ll be coming back time after time. Ben Mills, the owner and brew master, brews some of the most flavorful beer in NWA. Curious customers can watch the brew room through the large windows. Great place to kick back and relax with friends. Try the Coffee IPA, available on tap and six-packs.

Located in the downtown area of Fayetteville, this pizza/pub has terrific pizza and some of the best craft brews in the area. Try the Meat Head Pizza and wash it down with one of their house brews or choose another locally brewed beer.

ROGERS

With a solid core of five delicious beers, Bentonville Brewing Company is keen on morphing average light lager beer and non-beer drinkers into craft beer lovers. In addition to their permanent list of brews, they also offer seasonal and limited brews. Bottles are available now, and you can also find the production brewery’s beer in their tasting room and on draft in outstanding bars and restaurants throughout Benton and Washington Counties. Live music is available for special events only. Tours available on Friday and Saturday only.

*Open for growler fills and tastings seven days a week, with pints available only on the weekends.These people pride themselves on producing some of the very best beer in NWA. You can bring your own food and relax in the sitting area with one of their excellent house beers. Nice and efficient folks make up the management and wait staff team, and your satisfaction is their primary concern. Even on Sunday’s, the tasting room and Tyler’s craft BBQ is open to serve you. Current patrons love this place and you will too.

Stemming from the operating philosophy that brewing is a delicate balance between science and art, you could easily say that at New Province crafting the perfect brew is a drop by drop obsession. They are keen to have you, their customers, experience the taste sensation created by their perfectly crafted beers. Visit their taproom soon to sample the Philosopher IPA and the Yeoman Porter.

SPRINGDALE

An award-winning brewery featuring some of Arkansas’ most flavorful beer, Core Brewing now produces more than 500 barrels of beer sales per month, and it can be found in more than 500 locations. Stop by the tap room soon to try the Leg Hound Marzen-style lager or the American Wheat. Both are great beers with amazing flavors. “Core Brewing has multiple pub locations in Northwest Arkansas including Fayetteville, Rogers, XNA, Bentonville and 3 Springdale locations including the main distilling location, HarBer and the Emma location.

Located on the beautiful White River, Saddlebock was the first production brewery in NWA. For great brews by people who are particular about the kind of beers they produce, drop by Saddlebock Brewey to enjoy the view, unwind, relax and feast your taste buds on some of the most flavorful beer you will find in the Ozarks. The brewery features a unique design with a triple deck. Try the delicious flight of four, which has 4 oz. portions.

HONORABLE MENTION

Black Apple Crossing is the first cidery to open its doors in Arkansas. For those of you who don’t know, there are alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders. Alcoholic ciders are called hard ciders and are fermented, while non-alcoholic ciders are called soft ciders or sweet ciders and are not fermented. Black Apple Crossing brews delicious, hard ciders. These ciders offer a completely different taste in adult beverages, and may actually convert some beer drinkers as they are gluten-free. The place is fast becoming a favorite for date nights, and it is also a great place to hang out with friends. They have a killer patio, a beautiful wooden bar, and there’s also an intimate space. You may order the cider in flights or by the glass. While no food is served, a food truck is typically nearby. Great new addition to Emma Street!